Saturday, April 14, 2012

"Like Miners Digging for Gold" @ Your Library's Used Book Sale

Anyone use such a device or app to search through donations for "premium" titles?


In Farmington, Book Scanners Are New Way To Hunt For A Deal.  (Hartford Courant, 4/13/2012)

Excerpt:   Year after year, book lovers and bargain hunters alike gather on the first floor of the Farmington Public Library to dig through boxes of books, waiting to snap up $3 hard covers and 75-cent paperbacks, as well as DVDs, CDs and other items donated by members of the community. 

But in recent years, this tried-and-true approach to book sales has morphed into a sport over who can get the best bargain. 

As the demand for low-priced, easy-access items continues to increase, book scanners — electronic hand-held devices one can use to estimate the value of a used book and compare it to competitors' prices — are the weapons of choice for book dealers and amateur sellers looking to make a profit.

In Farmington, the library plays host to dealers from all over New England as well as New York. 

Like miners digging for gold, book dealers using electronic scanners are able to comb through a massive collection of titles in a fraction of the time. Before scanners, book dealers would check prices by cell phone, look them up on the Internet, or arbitrarily guess at what books would sell, said Sergei Chirkov, a dealer for the Cambriodge Bookstore in Massachusetts.


Confessions of a Used-Book Salesman. (Slate, 10/6/2010)

Excerpt: I make a living buying and selling used books. I browse the racks of thrift stores and library book sales using an electronic bar-code scanner. I push the button, a red laser hops about, and an LCD screen lights up with the resale values. It feels like being God in his own tiny recreational casino; my judgments are sure and simple, and I always win because I have foreknowledge of all bad bets. The software I use tells me the going price, on Amazon Marketplace, of the title I just scanned, along with the all-important sales rank, so I know the book's prospects immediately. I turn a profit every time.



Reselling Profitability, Scanners in Hand.  (EnzymePDX, 7/29/2010)

Excerpt: Goodwill workers say two to six of these book-trollers can be seen at the Portland Outlet at any time. Other thrift store workers interviewed for this story call them simply “beepers,” so named for the melody of their scanners, which wafts around the stacks like so many lost crickets. But the sound is more than just symphony. For resellers, it’s the din of money. Clipped to cell phones or sold as PDAs or hand-held devices, the scanners connect to online databases and provide quick information about current pricing and the availability of books. Pioneered by ScoutPal for Amazon.com, the fare has broadened to include other tools for big online retailers like eBay, Alibris and beyond.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Do You Know the Way to San Jose's Tully Community Branch Library?




Debuted on Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending April 13, 1968.  (Cubs lose, of course.)

Its week-by-week arc. 84, 61, 27, 21, 19, 10, 10, 10, 21, 21, 35, 44.

Bold red number indicates "STAR performer -- sides registering greatest proportionate upward progress this week".

"One-stop shopping at your Jamesway discount store."

42-Second Panning Shot of the State Library of New South Wales Reference Room




Would Your Library's Rest Rooms Pass a YouTube Inspection?



Featured library






Gotta wonder.

British Columbia's Pitt Meadows Public Library Walk-Through





Beyond the Page Campaign: A Collaboration Between the Dane County Library Service and the Madison Community Foundation



Local library part of $1.4M challenge grant. Waunakee Tribune, 4/11/2012.

Get your mind out of the gutter, folks!


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Will Fond du Lac Residents Now Be Clamoring for This Book?

If so, this appears to be their only library option.

"Best-selling 'mommy porn'", The Los Angeles Times, 3/13/2012

Fond du Lac Public Library says 'no' to controversial bestseller. Fond du Lac Reporter, 4/11/2012)

Excerpt:    The best-selling book “Fifty Shades of Grey” will not be found on the shelves at Fond du Lac Public Library.

Library Director Ken Hall said there were no plans to purchase the controversial book, which delves into romance and sadomasochism.

“‘We don’t collect erotica’,” Hall said he was told by the person who orders books for the library — and he supports the decision.

Meanwhile, other libraries are carrying the novel, which reached the top of the fiction charts and is the first in a trilogy by British author E.L. James. The print version had been hard to come by in bookstores, so readers have been forced to read the e-book edition, which was released first.

At Ripon Public Library, Librarian Desiree Bongers said there were 75 holds for the book in the system.

[Now at 81.   And counting.]


Based on our selection policy, we do have the book in our library. It is put out by a large, mainstream publisher, there’s been a lot of publicity for it and people are asking for it,” Bongers said.


As for the South Central Library System -- the LINKcat libraries at least -- Dane County is well-represented. 

594 Holds

Elsewhere in the state.

Winding Rivers Library System:  3 copies on order, 75 holds.

Milwaukee County Federated Library System:  2 editions, 36 copies, 330 holds.
Northern Waters Library Service:  3 copies, 32 holds.



Outagamie-Waupaca Library System (InfoSoup):  2 print editions, 13 copies,  270 holds.

Indianhead Federated Library System.  335 holds on 13 copies.
On order in V-Cat, Wisconsin Valley Library Service.  2 editions,  9 copies, 50 holds.

Seems pretty obvious to me that any library whose collection development policy includes the selection criterion of "popular demand" has no choice but to purchase at least 1 copy of Fifty Shades of Gray

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

It's National Bookmobile Day


Greetings from the Wisconsin Library Heritage Center.

Less to celebrate, numbers-wise.
Source for 1912-1989.  Gerstenslager.





Flashback:  Oshkosh Public Library city and county bookmobiles, March 1981.




Neither bookmobile remains in operation.  In fact, 8 bookmobiles currently operate in Wisconsin, according to the Public Library Service Data (2010).


Dane County Library Service


History Mystery: First bookmobile hit the road in 1954.  (Kenosha News)

Milwaukee Public Library.

Racine Public Library.
Racine Public Library's bookmobile has a banner year in 2011.  (Racine Journal-Times, 1/21/2012)

Shawano City-County Library.

Kilbourn Public Library, Wisconsin Dells.

Arrowhead Library System Celebrates Mark Twain

50 Years Ago This Week: The New York Times Best Sellers List (Nonfiction)

#55 on All-TIME 100 Nonfiction Books


Holdings and holds numbers from LINKcat

LINK to NYT list (April 15, 1962)


 

 

50 Years Ago This Week: The New York Times Best Sellers List (Fiction)


Holdings/holds information from LINKcat
LINK to list (April 15, 1962)
The New York Times

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Rethinking the Role of Public Libraries in New York City

Libraries Rethink Their Role in City. (The Wall Street Journal, 4/9/2012)

Excerpt:    All three of New York's public library systems are conducting or planning expansive renovations that reflect a shift in whom they serve, and how. 

And books, in many cases, are no longer the focal point.


An ambitious, $350,000,000 project to renovate all 62 Queens Library locations is two-thirds completed.

An example.






Leon Levy Information Commons

$300,000,000 Renovation of Stephen A. Schwarzman Building


Excerpt:  The Schwarzman building houses some of the library's most important research materials and collections. In recent decades, it hasn't served as a circulating library. Rather, it houses an exhibition hall, the famed Rose Main Reading Room, and some 5 million research volumes—many of them housed in closed stacks that occupy a space two blocks long, a quarter-block wide and eight stories high.

Starting as early as next year, the planned renovation would transform the stacks into a public area containing a new circulating library looking over Bryant Park with bookshelves, rooms for people to work together and, perhaps, a cafe. It would also convert empty rooms on the second floor into additional work space for writers and scholars—small offices, carrels and rooms with tables. All told, the renovation would double the building's public space. 

“….really, what ALEC is, is a bipartisan association of state legislators….” (Wisconsin State Senate version)



Wisconsin State Senate Republicans

Not to mention......Pam Galloway, Randy Hopper, and Dan Kapanke.

Wisconsin State Senate Democrats
Members with ALEC ties highlighted

Related post:

Lenoir "Lee" Kessler Jr. to Lead Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Former ASC leader now heading library. (Charlotte Observer, 4/10/2012)

Excerpt: The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library board hired former Arts & Science Council CEO Lenoir “Lee” Keesler Jr. as its new head, citing his strong financial background. 


Keesler, who led the ASC from 2004 to 2009, will assume the job July 1, at a salary of $180,000. 



Even though Keesler, 57, doesn’t have library experience, library board members said they were impressed with his service as a community leader while at the ASC and his 24 years as an executive with First Union and Wachovia Corp., which was acquired by Wells Fargo. He has worked the past year as director of market development at Barry, Evans, Josephs & Snipes, a Carolinas insurance and executive benefits firm in Charlotte. 


Ed Williams, who chaired the CEO search committee, said that kind of experience is critical, considering the financial challenges the library has faced during the economic downturn.

Related articles:
Library looking for mid-career corporate or nonprofit exec.  (3/15/2012)
In light of this coup, just how sustainable is funding for the library?  (12/7/2011)
What to do with Charlotte Mecklenburg's main library.  (11/13/2011)
Volunteering.  (6/24/2011)
County Manager proposes $3.26 million increase to library budget. (5/29/2011)
County Manager recommends a $2 million increase to CML budget.  (5/18/2011)
Most chilling fact to consider here.  (4/22/2011)
"Save our library" say Matthews residents.  (4/1/2011)
Charlotte Observer survey: Can you find $2 million in this budget to give to Mecklenburg libraries? (3/25/2011)
Task Force presents final report.  (3/22/2011)
Task Force to present report to joint meeting of Mecklenburg County Commission and Library Board.  (3/19/2011)
Task force walks on eggshells.  (3/17/2011)
Charlotte Mecklenburg 'Future of the Library Task Force' report to be aubmitted next week. (3/16/2011)
Recriminations? No. But you can't avoid the facts of the matter. (3/13/2011)
The battle of the branch libraries.  (3/8/2011)
Survey influences Charlotte Mecklenburg's Future of the Library Task Force. (3/5/2011)
$7.50 per household per year to keep 6 branch libraries open? Sounds reasonable to me.  (3/4/2011)
Up to 6 libraries could close under proposal.  (3/2/2011)
Tuesday vote of Future of Library Task Force likely.  (2/27/2011)
Future of the Library Task Force to release recommendations soon.  (2/8/2011)
Banker to lead Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  (1/22/2011)
And what about the cost of a joint library-county study committee?  (12/22/2010)
The future does not look bright.  (12/9/2010)
Library boosts fines, fees.  (11/23/2010)
CML libraries and parks:  Survey says...  (10/26/2010)
Future of the library task force.  (10/21/2010)
Volunteers to the rescue.  (10/17/2010)
Charlotte Observer to Harry Jones:  Check your ego at the door.  (9/21/2010)
County manager regrets hitting the 'send' key. (9/18/2010)
Library steering committee veers into off-road territory.  (9/15/2010)
Bank of America and Carolina Panthers kick off library fundraising campaign. (9/14/2010)
Another branch extends hours thanks to volunteer support.  (9/12/2010)
Volunteers step up.  (9/10/2010)
2 branch libraries to open one more day per week.  (9/5/2010)
Library urban legend in the making?  (9/4/2010)
Library launches pilot program to expand hours with volunteers.  (8/31/2010)
Group to study county library merger.  (7/28/2010)
Book stores help out the library.  (7/21/2010)
Libraries hope to expand hours with volunteers at 4 branches.  (7/20/2010)
Another change in hours.  (7/18/2010)
Matthews branch library sends out plea for volunteers.  (7/13/2010)
Most county commissioners cool to sales tax hike.  (7/9/2010)
New hours in effect.  (7/6/2010)
Charlotte Observer editorial board laments the passing of the Novello Festival of the Book.  (6/28/2010)
Shuttered branch could  become Friends' used book store.  (6/25/2010)
A reduced future.  (6/23/2010)
Interlocal cooperation pact.  (6/22/2010)
Three branches close.  (6/19/2010)
Town of Mint Hill perspective.  (6/18/2010)
Five towns tentatively OK $730,000 for libraries.  (6/18/2010)
Carmel, two other branches to close.  (6/16/2010)
Now that the ax has fallen.  (6/16/2010)
Commissioners to vote on budget today.  (6/15/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries:  It's complicated.  (6/9/2010)
Mayor wins straw vote at emotional council meeting.  (6/7/2010)
Editorial:  Should city 'stay in its lane' on libraries.  (6/4/2010)
County commissioners restore some cuts to libraries.  (6/4/2010)
Straw votes begin on Mecklinburg County budget.  (6/3/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries continue to look for one-time financial help.  (5/31/2010)
High school junior speaks out eloquently for libraries.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor Foxx on the art of governing.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor supports financial help for library.  (5/27/2010)
County budget:  Oh, yeah, this is fair.  (5/25/2010)
Bailout proposal not gaining traction.  (5/23/2010)
Library trustees vote to close 4 branches.  (5/20/2010)
Mecklenburg County tightens its belt.  (5/20/2010)
County manager cuts $14.7 million from library budget.  (5/18/2010)
2010-11 Mecklenburg County budget to be unveiled today.  (5/18/2010)
North Carolina woman plans on "going straight to the top" to keep Charlotte libraries open.  (5/16/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg officials ask local municipalities for $3 million contribution.  (4/30/2010
Library Board chair speaks out.  (4/25/2010)
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts.  (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit.  (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task.  (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours.  (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday".  (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines.  (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches.  (3/26/2010)
Library Board applies a Band-Aid to its bleeding system.  (3/25/2010)
Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote.  (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open.  (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives.  (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)

Monday, April 9, 2012

“….really, what ALEC is, is a bipartisan association of state legislators….” (Wisconsin State Assembly version)





Wisconsin State Assembly Republicans
ALEC members highlighted

Don't Just Pressure ALEC's Corporate Sponsors, Name and Shame ALEC Legislators, by John Nichols.  (Nation, 4/7/2012)

Excerpt:   What's happening with ALEC is good. But not good enough. 

Pressured by a coalition of civil rights, clean government and religious groups to quit their memberships in the American Legislative Exchange Council, multinational corporations are indeed exiting ALEC. Now, it's time to demand that the 2,000 legislators who have joined ALEC do the same.

Vos and  Suder are listed as "State Charimen".

Wisconsin State Assembly Democrats
ALEC members highlighted